Nice Bandera. I used to own one and man, can you fit a lot of food in one of those things. There is a discussion group on Yahoo specifically for the Bandera that might interest you - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bandera/. Do some hunting there and you'll find a couple of mods that will help improve the performance for you.

Have fun with it and be sure to share some pics and recipes here as you do!

DarkRubiTJ, yours is definately a lot better looking than mine. I just saw on for sale in Atlanta, GA, said it was used only twice, for $250.

I took "before" pictures of mine last night...while the wife was laughing. We'll snap a few when it's done. Hopefully there will be a difference. She just doesn't know a good 'project' when she sees one. Got her nose it a book all day long.

Scott, Just joined that group today to browse some of the mods. Thanks!

RichD-I went vertical more out of lust and space considerations. I first saw a Bandera at Acadmey when I lived in Houston. I had a Black Diamond at the time but fell in love with the Bandera. I live in a condo and outside storage space is limited and the vertical gives me more bang for the buck in less space than a horizontal would. Plus I could get this for the same price a Silver Smoker would be.

BBcue-Z seasoning is on the schedule for middle of the week following your fantastic instructions.

YB2 always careful with fire, Little Old lady next door always freaks out when I fire something up. I have a large open space right off the patio and so I wheel it out there about 30 yards off of the 4th green. When I get a west wind the cow pasture pool players always look over in envy.